U.S. Department of Justice

Judd Sentenced For Felon in Possession of a Firearm Charge

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice 

The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, United States Chief District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced XAVIER RAMONE JUDD, 32, of Henderson to 36 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.

JUDD was named in a two-count Indictment filed on December 20, 2017. On April 19, 2018, JUDD pled guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

On November 7, 2017, officers with the Henderson Police Department conducted a traffic stop. As officers approached the vehicle, they observed JUDD in the passenger seat. JUDD tried to encourage the driver to leave, but the driver refused. JUDD exited the vehicle and began walking away from the scene. When officers attempted to arrest JUDD, he resisted slightly but was eventually arrested without further incident. In the passenger area where JUDD, a convicted felon, had been sitting, officers seized a 9mm handgun.

This case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.

The Henderson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette handled the prosecution of this case for the government.

News releases are available on the U.S. Attorney’s webpage at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce. Follow us on twitter @USAO_EDNC.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Public Schools Continues to Make Progress in Improving Student Achievement

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

On Wednesday, September 5, 2018, the NC State Board of Education released standardized test data for all public schools across the state for the 2017-2018 school year. The results for Granville County Public Schools (GCPS) show that overall, the district continues to make progress in improving students’ academic success. Generally speaking, 15 schools met or exceeded growth: 7 of 19 schools “exceeded growth”, and 8 of 19 “met growth” as measured by the state.

Additionally, students’ proficiencies increased in 9 out of 17 EOG and EOC tested grade level and content areas. Furthermore, 9 schools achieved double-digit increases in proficiency in at least one tested area, and 4 schools experienced 20+ point gains in proficiency in at least one tested area.  Finally, our 12th-grade students across the district also outperformed other students from across the state by six percentage points on the ACT WorkKeys Assessment, which is designed to measure workplace readiness. GCPS students performed at 74.2% on the assessment while the state average was 68.2%.

Letter grades assigned by the state fluctuated slightly compared to previous years.  The following graph shows letter grade distribution for all schools since the state began assigning letter grades:

 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18
A  –  0 A  –  1 A  –  1 A  –  1  A  –  1
B  –  2 B  –  1 B  –  3 B  –  4 B  –  4
C  –  9 C  –  8 C – 10 C  –  9 C  –  7
D  –  6 D  –  6 D –  6 D  –  4 D  –  6
F – 2 F – 3 F – 0 F – 0 F – 0

As reported by the NC Department of Public Instruction, “school grades continue to correlate closely with the poverty levels of schools. Among schools where more than 81 percent of students come from low-income families, 69 percent of the schools received a D or F.”  This correlation also held true for all of the schools in Granville County that received a letter grade of “D”.

Superintendent McLean provided her perspective on the results, “While I am certainly pleased to see many positive areas in this data, there is still much room for improvement. Our goal is for every student to experience significant growth in every area. We believe that ALL students are capable of reaching their full potential, and we will not rest until this goal is achieved.”

With changes in school leadership and modified instructional supports in place, academic improvements are expected in the coming school year. For additional information, please visit the NCDPI Accountability website, which provides detailed data.

https://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/reporting/

Rezoning/Revitalization Among Topics of Upcoming Oxford Commissioners’ Meeting

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-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

The City of Oxford Board of Commissioners will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 11, 2018, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, City Hall.

Agenda items include:

Recognition – September Yard of the Month.

Public hearing and consideration for a request by T. Chase Massey, PE and Eddie Caudle Jr., landowner for rezoning of 2309 NC Highway 96 consisting of 88+/- acres from I-1 (prime-industrial) to R-8 (1 & 2 family residential).

Public hearing to hear input with regards to the City of Oxford submitting an application for the 2018 Neighborhood Revitalization CDBG Project.

Adopt a resolution authorizing the City of Oxford to submit an application for the 2018 Neighborhood Revitalization CDBG Project.

Consider calling for a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 9, 2018, in the Commissioners’ Board Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 300 Williamsboro Street, Oxford, NC, to receive input from the public regarding the City of Oxford seeking a $500,000 loan in order to repair City streets.

Approve the final listing of streets to be repaired in conjunction with the DOT repairs that are scheduled to begin in 2019.

Consider applicants for the Henderson-Oxford-Granville-Vance Airport Authority Board for a 2-year term expiring July 2020.

Consider applicants for the Oxford Housing Authority for a five-year term that expires September 2023.

Adopt a resolution for the City Clerk to investigate the sufficiency of the petition for a contiguous annexation of 37 acres located on New Commerce Drive and certify its sufficiency. The requested petition for annexation is for a site that abuts the City of Oxford’s wastewater treatment facility. The request is required for connecting to the city’s water and sewer.

 

Franklin County Schools

Franklin County Continues to Improve School Performance Grades

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Schools

Franklin County Schools continue to make gains in performance grades with six schools making an “A” or a “B” during the 2017-2018 academic year. That is up from two “B” schools just three years ago.

Nine schools earned a “C” and 14 out of the 16 schools met or exceeded growth. Within three years’ time, the district went from seven low performing schools in 2014-2015 to one low performing school in 2017-2018.

School grades are based on an 80/20 formula. 80 percent of the mark comes from proficiency of end-of-year tests, 20 percent of the grade is based on student growth.

Franklin County Schools’ composite score is nine percentage points ahead of where the district was three years ago. The score is 57.5, or up 8.7 points from the 2014-2015 school year.

“We meet every student where they are and strive for growth. 87% of our schools met or exceeded a year’s worth of growth for a year’s worth of instruction. Our staff demonstrated a commitment to excellence, which contributed to the moving from seven low performing schools to just one, over three academic years. We are proud of our accomplishments and will continue to build upon these through fostering relationships and setting high standards for instruction in the classroom,” says Superintendent, Dr. Rhonda Schuhler.

Most schools maintained or increased their letter grade. There was also a significant improvement in school growth in comparison from last academic year—to the current one.

When it comes to individual school performance, the Early College High School earned an “A” for the second year and exceeded growth for the third straight year.

Bunn Middle School exceeded growth for the second straight year and Royal Elementary exceeded growth for the first time ever.

Franklinton Elementary School is no longer a low performing school, earning a “C”.

Youngsville Elementary is a “B” school for the first time since the 2014-2015 school year.

Laurel Mill Elementary is a “B” school… going from a 54 or “D “low performing school to a 71 or “B” in just three years. It is only one of four North Carolina schools to see that type of increase in a three-year period.

All high schools met or exceeded growth with Louisburg High School increasing by 2.5 composite points. The Early College High School went up 2.8 composite points.

Results also show our graduates are career and college ready.

Franklin County’s graduation rate came in at the highest ranking since the state started to keep track of the figure. 86% of high school seniors graduated in the last academic school year, up one percentage point from the previous year. It is also right in line with the state average of 86.3%

80% of the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) graduates received a certificate or credential and 25% of graduates earned at least one post-secondary credit.

Superintendent, Dr. Rhonda Schuhler credits a change in school culture for the marked success, especially at the elementary school level. School leaders are holding teachers accountable and teachers are holding parents and students accountable. It is a culture where learning is possible.

“Our staff is focused on the right thing which is student achievement. Our teachers are going to do what is right for our kids and because of that, we are going to get positive results. When principals build strong relationships with teachers, teacher vitality improves. Teachers are happier to come to work and they, in turn, give our students the best possible education.”

News 09/06/18

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Tickets on Sale Now for Granville Chamber’s Annual ‘Cluck ‘N Shuck’ Seafood Event

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— courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce | Ginnie Currin, Executive Director ~ 919-693-6125 ~ ginnie@granville-chamber.com

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring their eighth annual fall seafood event – “CLUCK ‘N SHUCK” – to be held Friday, October 26, 2018, from 5:30 until 8 p.m. at The Red Barn – Golf Course Road, off Lake Devin Road, in Oxford.

Caterer Leon Nixon’s dinner menu offerings include steamed oysters, fried shrimp, fried fish, fried chicken tenders, slaw, buttered potatoes, hushpuppies, tea, Pepsi-Cola products and cold beverages.

The event will be held at the venue – The Red Barn – where it has been held the past five years. This location provides an incredible setting for those desiring to eat on the decks overlooking Lake Devin. Inside seating on the ground floor of The Red Barn is also available.

Advanced ticket sales – $40 per person or 2 tickets for $75 – includes all-you-can-eat on premises. As this is a limited ticket event, those wishing to attend are encouraged to purchase tickets early from one of the Chamber offices – 124 Hillsboro Street in Oxford (8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.) 919.693.6125 or the South Office – 1598 NC Hwy 56, between Butner and Creedmoor (8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 8:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. Thursdays) 919.528.4994.

Event t-shirts are also available at the Chamber offices for $10 each.

Event sponsors: Duke Energy, Granville Health System, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Roxboro, Carolina Sunrock, Touchstone Bank, The Pegram Agency, Shalag Nonwovens, Vino Oasi, For Your Occasion Party Rentals, Butner-Creedmoor News, Oxford Public Ledger, The Daily Dispatch, US 98.3FM and WIZS 1450AM.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

H-V Emergency Operations

Henderson-Vance Emergency Operations Keeping Eye on Active Atlantic

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-Information and weather charts courtesy Brian K. Short, Director of Emergency Operations, Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations and Ready NC

Peak hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin is upon us. “The tropics are now active with several developing systems but so far nothing is headed directly our way,” said Brian Short, director of Emergency Operations for Henderson-Vance County.

As of 7 a.m. this morning, Tropical Depression Gordon was moving through Jackson, Mississippi in a NW direction at 14 MPH. Maximum sustained winds were 35 MPH.

As of 5 a.m. this morning, Hurricane Florence was classified as a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 105 MPH. The storm is still a considerable distance out in the Atlantic, approximately 1,210 miles WNW from the Northern Leeward Islands.

Forecasters are currently watching a system developing behind Hurricane Florence that could become a developed storm in the next five days.

Click here for more information on the Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations department along with a convenient, online way to register for their Code RED Warning System.

You may also visit the NC Ready website for additional information on emergency situations facing the state of NC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sept. is National Preparedness Month: Does Your Small Business Have a Disaster Plan?

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce’s “Focus” newsletter – July/August 2018

September is National Preparedness Month. For small business owners, being prepared can mean the difference between staying in business or not following a disaster. The Small Business Administration can assist your business from the planning stages to recovery. Below are the steps they list for Emergency Preparedness. These are each covered at a more in-depth level on the SBA website at www.SBA.gov.

Disaster Planning

Small business owners invest a tremendous amount of time, money and resources to make their ventures successful, yet many owners fail to properly plan and prepare for disaster situations. According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, an estimated 25 percent of businesses do not reopen following a major disaster. You can protect your business by identifying the risks associated with natural and man-made disasters, and by creating a plan for action should a disaster strike. By keeping those plans updated, you can help ensure the survival of your business. A great place to start is the SBA’s Small Business Disaster Preparedness Guide on the web.

Disaster Assistance

Disaster can strike at any time, and even the most prepared businesses can be adversely impacted. If your business has been impacted by a disaster, the SBA can help by providing disaster assistance.

Disaster Cleanup

Taking the proper cleanup precautions means you can get back to business sooner. Explore some important tips and advice to help you get back on your feet safely.

SBA’s Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Plan

This plan lays out an overall plan for the Disaster Loan Program, both for smaller scale events when ODA resources easily meet demand and for larger scale ones requiring greater participation from all agency resources.

State Government Information

State governments relay pertinent information to businesses affected by disasters and offer a number of services to help businesses prepare and recover from disasters. Learn more about your state.

Strickland Named Rebuilding Hope’s Sept. Volunteer in the Spotlight

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-Information courtesy the September 2018 Rebuilding Hope, Inc. Newsletter

Jeffrey Strickland is a relative newcomer to the volunteer ranks at Rebuilding Hope. A resident of the Inez community in Warren County, he began lending a helping hand at RHI in May.

Jeffrey Strickland was named Rebuilding Hope, Inc. Volunteer in the Spotlight for September. (Photo: Rebuilding Hope)

Jeffrey, a graduate of Dillard Road Academy, says he learned about the opportunity at RHI through one of his mother’s coworkers. The coworker is also a volunteer.

Jeffrey, like most RHI volunteers, helps with the annual Servants on Site and pitches in at the warehouse wherever he’s needed. “Ministry work is a good thing to do,” he says of his decision to volunteer. “Helping communities around the area is rewarding.”

Jeffrey’s hobbies and leisure time activities include woodworking, hunting and fishing, or, he says, “anything outdoors.” A member of Centerville Baptist Church, he serves in the worship services by running the soundboard.

Jeffrey is the son of Greg and Donna Smith and David Strickland. He has a sister, Makayla.

Beginning Yoga Class to Offer Participants ‘Peace & Balance’

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-Information and flyer courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

Beginning Yoga classes will be held in the Aycock Recreation Center’s Multi-Purpose Room on Thursday evenings from 6:15 to  7 p.m. Classes begin Thursday, September 6 and end Thursday, October 25, 2018. There will be no class on Thursday, October 18.

These sessions are based on basic Yoga techniques that inspire physical, mental and spiritual peace from within through balance, stretching and breathing.

Please bring your own Yoga mat.

The fee is $1 for members and $2 for non-members. Class instructor is Beryle Lewis.

For more information, please contact Lauren Newlin at (252) 438-3160 or lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us

(This is not a paid advertisement)